I'm 80 years old. Could I handle surgery, or should I avoid that at this age?

I would avoid surgery unless it is absolutely necessary.

Rotar cuff repair is a difficult rehab which I would avoid unless you have a particular heath condition that will make surgery in the future a bigger risk. My mom went thr PT route because she wanted to avoid another surgery but tge pain eventually got so bad she had surgery. A veteran of one hip and two knee replacements, she found rotar cuff surgery the easiest and the rehab the most difficult.

I see the answers are all over the map on do it and don't do it. I will speak only from my own experience. I assume you had an MRI, otherwise there's no other way to diagnose it. I was having some pain and the doctor I saw didn't order an MRI at first and gave me a steroid injection. I finally asked him if he would order an MRI which showed 4 partial tendon tears. We tried PT first...but I wasn't making gains in my measurements and the pain was still there. SO I had a consult with an orthopedic who specializes in shoulders. He was so young...but the physical therapist said she had seen great results with him. A PT is a great place to get a referral of names. I was 63 when I had the surgery. They use a nerve block on the arm and then of course you do have a general. But you aren't under very long. He cleaned out some arthritic spurs and relocated the torn bicep tendon. All this through a laparoscopic incision. Then in about a week I think I began PT. My shoulder feels great and recovery to normal didn't take as long as you might think. The key here is to do the exercises at home religiously when you have PT. Maybe the thing to do is get a second opinion and bring a copy of the MRI with you. It is interesting that you don't have pain...but you may eventually. Restoring full function is the main goal of any surgery and PT.

This is something you're probably going to want to discuss with your doctor because they know medicine better than the average person does. However, you really don't want to make the wrong decision, any tear could become worse if not treated properly.

My mother at about 85 saw an orthopedic surgeon that my dad saw. He gave her a couple of cortisone shots. Years later she fell and fractured her back. I had the same surgeon look at her. She was not a candidate for surgery he said. After her hospital stay she went through pt and ot. She had actually developed drop arm where she couldn't lift her right arm. The therapy was successful in bringing back the use of the arm. Months later we were going to be back in the surgeons bldg. He took exrays and showed me where my mothers RC was supposed to be and where it actually was. Very far away. He said I can do nothing for your mother. She was about
94 then. She had OT three times a week ( provided by Medicare) and enjoyed the use of her right arm with little to no problems. The OT was very good for her overall.
Generally speaking if you go to a surgeon he will want to do surgery. That's his trade. Our dr didn't recommend it for either parent. He didn't recommend the therapy either though. I requested that through her primary.
I've read that the best outcome for patients having surgery is to do therapy before and after. If you do it before you may decide not to have it.
The muscles in your arm will help compensate and protect the tear.
Try to get therapy ongoing and dance away.
I had an uncle in law whose two sisters in their 90s dance every week. He died at 95 but didn't dance :(. They look and feel great.

1) Find an excellent surgeon who specializes in shoulders, (arms, hands, wrists).
2) Consider the effects of anasethesia especially with age.
3) Get PT first + possibly cortisone shot(s) - then make decision on surgery.
I Went through all of above because surgeon was a specialist and took conservative routes first. I did require surgery at age 64 but had an easy recovery with perfect results and I'm not active at all - wish I had had dance lessons younger. I had rotator cuff + bicep tendon surgery (about 5 different things were done).
It was important to do the exercises, starting day after surgery. As a dancer, you probably have the discipline to do them religiously. My exercises were 2 and 3 times a day and would be considered gentle if not for the surgery. But all the mobility + range of motion are there now. Had PT for few months after surgery - again be religious about exercises.
IF you have the surgery, get the nerve block which will last for many hours to head off the pain. I got some button front cotton tops + dresses in dark colors to wear. Lived in those for 3 weeks I think. (Underwear is pain to deal with for first few days so have something dark to wear + skip it.) Best of luck with decision.

If you were my parent, I'd recommend not having any surgery requiring full anesthesia, unless it was life threatening issue. This is because elderly people don't seem to handle the anesthesia as well as when younger. Even though the shoulder may turn out good, sometimes elderly people are never the same mentally after full anesthesia. I'm a nurse and I know we usually cringe when hear anyone over 80 years old is having major surgery.
However, if someone is in continuous severe pain, then surgery would probably be worth it even if things do not go perfectly, because living with severe long term pain also causes issues.
Sorry you have a major decision to make. I recommend you get a second opinion from another specialist. Then go to your regular 'family' doctor, tell him what specialist say, and your concerns, then ask their opinion on shoulder, shoulder rehabilitation, and on your risk of problems from anesthesia.
I also believe in praying for divine discernment and absolute clarity, especially when making major decisions.

As others have suggested, get a second or even third opinion. Our mother damaged her shoulder (rotator cuff or tear, not sure) when she was about 85+. She was still living alone caring for herself, but not nearly as active as you.
The first doctor (orthopedist) would not do surgery and told her NO doctor would operate on her at her age. She went elsewhere and had the surgery, including the at home PT after. She is now (since January) in MC, but just turned 94. She never had any additional issues with the shoulder.
In your case, if you are NOT in pain, get the other opinions and recommendations. Certainly one should try non-invasive methods if possible, so if one doctor can recommend PT, to strengthen and aid in the body's self repair, go that route. If the tear is bad enough, PT might not cut it and you will end up needing surgery even later in life. Even if it does not cause pain, you should avoid anything that might aggravate it and make it worse. Give it time to heal!
Surgery of any kind has its risks and rewards. If rest and rehab can help "cure" this, go for that. If it does not help, then you will need to consider surgical repair.

Get a second - and - third opinion.

The good thing is the tear is not causing pain. If the tear is small, then it could heal on its own - but it can take quite a while depending on other factors with the most important being your overall health. You're still dancing at 80 years old?? AWESOME for you! This reads you have some good circulation going on in the body. The priority right now is to limit your shoulder's mobility to give the tear time to heal. Consider purchasing a shoulder sling - today.

Also, consider purchasing a TENS unit. The TENS can calm inflammation surrounding the injured nerves and muscles to usher in blood flow which is absolutely required for any type of injury to heal. You can buy a good one of off Amazon.

Also ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a physical therapist who can suggest muscle rehab exercises to reduce scar tissue build up from the healed injury and also to slowly increase mobility without being too traumatic on the actual tear and its surrounding muscle groups.

I had surgery on my left shoulder because of a frozen shoulder then later in life, I had surgery on my right shoulder for a roder cuff tear in 2009. Now pain has returned in both shoulders, Doctor says I will need shoulder replacement in my left shoulder. Not a good idea at my age of 79.

My late husband had a "separated shoulder" due to a biking accident in his 40s. It didn't hurt after the first week, but it made him look hunchbacked, so he went for corrective surgery. He was never completely without pain in the shoulder and lost a lot of the motion he had had beforehand when it was "separated." If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

I'm going to chime in on this one.... definitely get a second opinion.

If possible, if I was in your situation, I'd want to see a physiatrist. A physiatrist is a doctor who is an expert in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This is a specialty that arose out of the Korean War, because injured soldiers were surviving their injuries and now had to live with them. A physiatrist is who supervises physical and occupational therapists. Physiatrists are not surgeons--they don't cut. They favor a medical approach to the management of injuries. If the physiatrist thinks that it's worthwhile to see a surgeon, he or she will refer you to one. Physiatrists work closely with orthopedic surgeons, so they are really familiar with their work and know who would give you the best shot at success. They're also very good at helping you evaluate your treatment options so that you can make decisions that are right for you.

How do I know this? I had a really good physiatrist. He eventually did send me to a surgeon for a consultation, from a surgeon he trusted that wasn't a 'cutter' (that is, a cut happy surgeon). The surgeon thoroughly evaluated me and we decided that the surgery was just too risky--that I would be better off following a more conservative approach. When my mother had surgery at that hospital, he gave me his opinion about my mother's surgeon ("If I was in your mother's situation, that's the guy I would want operating on me.") and told me which anesthesiologist to request (the surgeon was happy do do that--the surgeon personally liked that doc).

Honey,
You will likely have physical therapy after surgery, so ask your doctor for PT now and see how it goes. There are a lot of nerves in that area and I had a shoulder replacement that went bad...now the doctors won't touch me because they don't know how bad the nerves were damaged. I don't mean to scare you, I just say the least amount of surgery the better....if you have an active life now, keep dancing, just don't push it. I can hear the music now!!

Get a second opinion . I agree with above suggestions. You may have to adjust the dancing a little but still enjoy it. A friend of mine in her 70 s had the surgery and she is still having problems after 6 months and has arm in sling. I would not have the surgery unless it is altering your life so badly you are not enjoying it.

I agree on reviewing the pros and cons with the doctor AND I would get a second opinion. It's amazing how doctors can differ on their recommendations regarding surgery.

If you have full range of motion and no serious pain you might hold off. See another surgeon or two for their opinions and make sure they are shoulder specialists with good reputations. Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive than a full incision but shoulders are complicated and take a long to time to recuperate regardless.

My 89 year old mother broke her humerous last year--the bone was completely snapped in half with the ball of the joint pointing upward and back at her shoulder. Doctors (and research of medical articles) said that surgery wouldn't make much difference in the final result because of resulting scar tissue, and that anesthesia is tricky in older people because they are more prone to unusual and dangerous reactions to anesthesia including death.

She didn't have surgery. The bone remains broken in half and pointing up and back but she has about the range of motion that she would have had if she'd had surgery because there would have been scar tissue. She'll always have some pain but also would have had pain if she'd had the surgery. However, that's a different injury than yours.

I'd get at least three opinions from excellent surgeons in larger metropolitan areas, not just the local surgeon. I'd also do a lot of internet research myself, making sure to read only the best sites and experts, and then make up my mind.

Take care!

Am sure the doctor has given you the pro`s and cons, obviously as you get older can take longer to heal and surgery is more dangerous, if you are not having issues would seriously consider no having it, sometimes can cause more trouble than the problem that is trying to be fixed

I am going to guess, the rotor cuff?

No, don't have the surgery - younger people don't recover well from that. Instead, ask for Physical Therapy.

I didn't even know I had that problem and I healed it myself with exercise. I was using Walk Away The Pounds at the time and needed my "good" arm to help lift my bad arm.

Recovery from that particular surgery is very hard and not always successful.

Just my opinion of course - but I tell everyone to try Physical Therapy first.

Good Luck and keep on dancing! God Bless you!

I can only speak for this issue by the experience of my Mom's similar issue (and each person's situation is different) Mom has ALWAYS been active... she is now 82.. & was told 3-4 years ago she needed rotator cuff repair.. by the results shared & what I have witnessed in the recovery period, not everyone has good results with this type of surgery. That being said, I would ask: how well does the doctor know the patient (& vice versa)and their live style? & the most important question: ask the doctor if they were in the same position, would they go under that knife?? Mom refused the surgery & doesn't regret her decision . I wish you luck honey66 in all the things that keep you happy!!

Can't wait to hear what you decided! Please update when appropriate

I am 68 and have a tear in my shoulder ,went to see two doctors
and neither one of them will operate.
They both said as long as I am not in major pain and I can
still use my arm surgery is not recommended .
Had a cortisone shot and it seems to have help somewhat.
If you can avoid surgery then avoid it .
Keep on dancing. Perhaps a couple of tylenol once in awhile will be best.

At any age, I have heard of those who were not satisfied with surgery on the shoulder. Many have said they would not do it again. Consider all the possible choices and do your research before deciding.

Honey you are wonderful for 80. So go on enjoying your active life style. The main risk for this surgery at your age is the anaesthetic and without knowing your full medical history can't say whether or not you would be at risk. Any surgery at any age in any state of health does carry risks.
I have just had a hip replacement at 78 and even with significant heart problems did very well. Recovery of course takes longer as you age but that happens to everyone.

Personally if it is not hurting and you still have satisfactory motion I would wait and see but try not to stress it. Go about your normal activities but don't strain it by moving heavy furniture or moving heavy rocks in your yard. Common sense should prevail here.
Basically the surgery may or may not help you and it is a fairly debilitating operation which will involve months of recovery, lots of PT and may possibly make your condition worse.
At 80 you are having a good life so try ad keep it that way not matter what your decision. Good luck keep on dancing.
PS I had my hip replaced from a fracture not from choice.

Honey, is the "tear" specifically a rotator cuff tear? Has an MRI been done to determine the exact extent and location of the tear?

Going against the trend of the other answers, I'd seriously consider surgery, but learn more about the tear and the extent.

If you were D'X'ed with a tear, I assume you had some pain or other issues. for which you saw a doctor. Or was this D'X'ed as part of an overall wellness exam, or for some other reason and was just discovered as a part of that exam?

I had a rotator cuff tear in late 2010, saw a hand and arm specialist, had PT, but not surgery as there was just too much happening in the family for me at that time and I couldn't devote the required time for stay at home healing (an out of town relative was dying and we were traveling back and forth for several months, then other issues arose with my father's health.)

As I type this, the tear has flared up again and once again I wish I had had surgery then. My upper left shoulder is throbbing and tense. Over time my arm has grown weaker, but that might be remedied with another round of therapy.

The PT was top notch back in 2010, improvements were made, but the tear did not completely heal.

Recovery after rotator cuff surgery is not easy; bear that in mind, but consider also whether you want to live for the rest of your life with whatever limitations existed to prompt you to get a diagnosis.

The only good thing about not getting a tear fixed is that your arm will become a weather prediction device. You'll be able to tell when pressure changes, when storms are coming.

Ask what risks you incur for not having the surgery. Sometimes it is best to repair something before it gets worse. Do you know how long a recovery period there is? A friend had hip replacement surgery at 75 and went on a canoe trip later that year. Good for you staying so active!

I agree, many doctors are in the "just fix it" business an sometimes fail to see the whole picture. If your shoulder isn't causing you much pain and you have full range of motion I'm not sure what benefits surgery would achieve.Have you asked about the possibility of taking a wait and see approach?

Tears take ages to heal, but they eventually do. How debilitating is your shoulder injury? If it's already stopping you being so commendably active, the surgery's benefits may outweigh the risks.

This is a really tricky decision so take your time and don't be bustled into doing anything you're not confident about.